- Federal Institute: Be careful with melatonin-containing products
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) advises caution when taking dietary supplements containing melatonin. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children, adolescents, and individuals with certain pre-existing conditions should not take them independently and uncontrolled, as the institute reported. Especially long-term use could have unwanted health effects, as shown by the evaluation of available scientific data.
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. In recent years, the range of products in drugstores and online has increased significantly. These products are intended to facilitate falling asleep. However, some of the available products, offered as sprays, capsules, drops, powders, or chewable tablets, exceed the recommended daily dose of melatonin compared to approved melatonin-containing medicines, according to the BfR.
Excessive daytime sleepiness, prolonged reaction times
According to the Federal Institute, melatonin is approved for the time-limited treatment of sleep disorders in people aged 55 and over, as well as in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders or the rare hereditary disease Smith-Magenis syndrome. Unlike medicines, dietary supplements are not subject to approval requirements.
Unwanted effects of melatonin intake can include pronounced daytime sleepiness, reduced attention, or prolonged reaction times, which could increase the risk of accidents. "Other possible unwanted effects associated with melatonin intake include, among others, headaches, hypotension, reduction in body temperature, nightmares, weakness, and gait disturbances."
Melatonin also affects blood sugar levels, raising the question of whether long-term use could increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, the BfR also points out that the health risks, particularly of long-term use, have not been sufficiently investigated to date.
Risk assessment by the BfR
The BfR warns against consuming food supplements with excessive melatonin levels, as they may exceed the recommended daily dose. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children should avoid food supplements containing melatonin without medical advice, due to potential unwanted health effects and insufficient long-term safety data.
